Ananda an inspiration for all Sri Lankans
We remodeled the Navy structure to nail down
the Tigers' strength at sea. We invented three modes, innovation,
improvisation and ingenuity, to lift the spirit of the Navy. We
introduced the 'small boats' concept. The Navy's engineers worked day
and night to breathe life to the small boats. The small boats, though
low profile, had a superior speed. Squadrons of these craft were posted
in strategically important locations
Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda is another Anandian who has made it to
the top in the Security Forces. He heads the Sri Lanka Navy, which has
emerged as one of the best in the world, mainly due to its role in
destroying 10 of the LTTE's weapons vessels in the deep seas and
destroying Sea Tiger boats.
The Admiral and his team also devised new units and strategies to
defeat the Sea Tigers. These proved to be highly successful. He is
thankful to Ananda for inspiring him to join the Forces and serve the
Nation. The education, discipline and moral values that Ananda
inculcated would help all Anandians to succeed. Apart from the Commander
himself, there are hundreds of Anandians in the Navy.
By the time Admiral Karannagoda took over the Navy, the LTTE had
become a powerful outfit, having smuggled in shiploads of weapons and
the strengthened its Sea Tiger wing. He studied the tactics used by
foreign navies, but evolved many solutions that were unique in the
Lankan context. From Mavil Aru to the final defeat of terrorism, the
Navy's support was invaluable to the Army and the Air Force for their
operations.
The LTTE was no simple terrorist outfit, especially with its enhanced
suicide craft and higher horse-powered multiple engines.
The LTTE was enjoying free access to sea lanes for arms shipments
thanks to the truce. By the time the Ceasefire was annulled, the Navy
had to face the unmatched strategic potency of the LTTE. "We remodeled
the Navy structure to nail down the Tigers' strength at sea. We invented
three modes, innovation, improvisation and ingenuity, to lift the spirit
of the Navy. We introduced the 'small boats' concept. The Navy's
engineers worked day and night to breathe life to the small boats. The
small boats, though low profile, had a superior speed. Squadrons of
these craft were posted in strategically important locations," the Navy
Commander said. These factors contributed heavily to the Navy's eventual
success.
Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda assumed Command of the Sri Lanka Navy on
September 1, 2005. In the 59-year history of the Sri Lanka Navy, he is
the only officer to be considered to the highest seat of the Commander
of the Navy straight from a Naval Area Command. He has achieved many
firsts in his distinguished Naval Career. He possesses Masters in
Business Administration as well as in Defence Studies. He is also a
member of the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Nautical Institute
of the United Kingdom.
He has commanded the four Operational Naval Commands on seven
occasions - Northern, Eastern and Western Commands twice each and North
Central once, for a total period spanning six years. He served as the
Commandant of the Naval & Maritime Academy. He also had served as Deputy
Area Commander (West), Deputy Area Commander (North) and Deputy Area
Commander (East).
As a specialized Navigator, he has held numerous appointments onboard
Naval ships. He counts long years at sea and his sea career culminated
in 1992 onboard SLNS Wickrama with the relinquishing of command and
duties as the Commander of the 7th Surveillance Command Squadron.
Admiral Karannagoda was promoted to his present rank of Admiral by
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, after the complete defeat of LTTE terrorism
on May 18, 2009. Admiral Karannagoda has become the first ever Commander
of the Sri Lanka Navy to hold the prestigious four star rank while in
active Naval service.
He is a recipient of the Rana Sura Padakkam, Vishista Seva
Vibhushanaya, Uttama Seva Padakkama, Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Service
Medal, Sri Lanka Navy 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Service
Long Service Medal, President's Inauguration Medal, 50th Independence
Anniversary Commemoration Medal, North and East Operation Medal, Purna
Bhumi Padakkama and Riviresa Campaign Service Medal.
Admiral Karannagoda was the first ever Director General (Operations)
at Naval Headquarters. Prior to that he served as Director Naval
Operations, Director Naval Projects and Plans as well as Director Naval
Personnel and Training. |